Matt Skura, DukeLife in the trenches begins and ends with the center. The offensive line’s signal caller and the player that anchors it all, this list wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the best at the position – and this year that player is Duke’s Matt Skura. Through 10 weeks, Skura is PFF’s highest rated center with an overall grade of +37.1. There are few weaknesses in his game, as he’s earned the highest run block grade in the nation (+29.1) and ranks fourth in pass protection (+5.5). Skura hasn’t allowed a sack all year, and has made it through the entire season without once being called for a penalty.

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Chase Roullier, WyomingChase Roullier of Wyoming has had himself an impressive year, grading out very well in both run blocking (+26.0) and pass protection (+9.3). In both categories, Roullier ranks in the top ten among all guards. His strength seems to lie in the run game, but not by much – Roullier has an outstanding pass blocking efficiency rating of 99.3 (No. 3 nationally) and has not allowed a single sack this year. His consistency in both areas is what has earned him PFF’s No. 1 overall grade for guards this season (+37.5).

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Joe Dahl, Washington StateJoe Dahl remains one of PFF’s highest graded offensive linemen, despite missing two games due to injury. So far this season, he has graded out positively in all but one of the games he’s played. Though reliable in the run game (+5.0), Dahl has performed especially well when in pass protection. Asked to drop back and protect his quarterback a staggering 505 times this year, Dahl has excelled, leading the nation with a pass blocking grade of +15.7.

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Mon Nov 16, 2015 4:33 pm

jackal

Strong Safety

Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:05 amPosts: 11402Location: California

Re: 2016 draft: interior offensive linemen to watch

I hope we spend most of our early picks on OL unless something huge just lands in our laps

the only thing I think we need even close to the OL needs is a SS or Big deep threat wide out 6-5 Mike Evans kinda guy

I hope we spend most of our early picks on OL unless something huge just lands in our laps

At least one. There are a lot of questions on the offensive line going forward. Will they extend Kalil (I think so but negotiations may be tricky)? Will they choose to keep Loadholt at his $5.4 million 2016 salary? I would think they may re-negotiate and offer him a short extension. What is the status of John Sullivan? Back problems that required two surgeries in one season doesn't exactly inspire confidence going forward. Neither does that UDFA we acquired. I think they have to sign another center this season as a long-term replacement for Sully, preferably one that can also play guard. The question is...how high do they draft one? And I have no idea what they're going to do with Fusco and Harris. Ideally Fusco goes back to RG and we either plop Berger at LG or sign a quality free agent (Boone, Osemele), pushing Harris to a reserve role. The problem with that is in the financials with quite a bit of cash devoted to Sully, Fusco, Loadholt and to some extent Berger. If they extend Kalil, that's even more. Because of this, I can't imagine they'd sign a top FA guard. So I think the most realistic case is that a draft pick will compete with Berger, Fusco, Harris and others and both guard spots become a big talking point going into camp and the preseason.

With Clemmings seemingly the heir apparent to Loadholt and Kalil extended, do we sign a round 1-3 tackle? I would lean towards yes, mostly because I don't trust Kalil to stay healthy for the duration of his next contract. So maybe draft a round 1-3 G/C and T/G then let them all battle it out.

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the only thing I think we need even close to the OL needs is a SS or Big deep threat wide out 6-5 Mike Evans kinda guy

Yes, SS is a huge need. Preferably a guy that can cover. What the Vikings decide to do with Newman may play a part in this. If Newman retires or the Vikings decide not to re-sign him, I think we may have another need at corner even if they roll with Waynes as a starter (Josh Robinson is a free agent). If Newman is moved to safety a la Woodson, they may have less of a pressing need at safety in this draft, but it'd be something to address sooner rather than later.

Regarding a 6-5 Mike Evans kind of guy, I'd highly doubt they spend a top draft pick on a WR, especially with the emergence of Diggs, who should be a starter next year (he already is now). But if you want a huge, fast WR, you might be disappointed in this particular draft. There's no stud 6'5 guys. The best of guys 6'3 and above might be Josh Doctson (6'4), Michael Thomas (6'3), Mike Williams (6'3) and Tajae Sharpe (6'4). Of those, Doctson & Thomas may be the only round 1/2 guys.

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Tue Nov 17, 2015 9:45 am

jackal

Strong Safety

Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:05 amPosts: 11402Location: California

Re: 2016 draft: interior offensive linemen to watch

Quote:

At least one. There are a lot of questions on the offensive line going forward. Will they extend Kalil (I think so but negotiations may be tricky)? Will they choose to keep Loadholt at his $5.4 million 2016 salary? I would think they may re-negotiate and offer him a short extension. What is the status of John Sullivan? Back problems that required two surgeries in one season doesn't exactly inspire confidence going forward. Neither does that UDFA we acquired. I think they have to sign another center this season as a long-term replacement for Sully, preferably one that can also play guard. The question is...how high do they draft one? And I have no idea what they're going to do with Fusco and Harris. Ideally Fusco goes back to RG and we either plop Berger at LG or sign a quality free agent (Boone, Osemele), pushing Harris to a reserve role. The problem with that is in the financials with quite a bit of cash devoted to Sully, Fusco, Loadholt and to some extent Berger. If they extend Kalil, that's even more. Because of this, I can't imagine they'd sign a top FA guard. So I think the most realistic case is that a draft pick will compete with Berger, Fusco, Harris and others and both guard spots become a big talking point going into camp and the preseason.

With Clemmings seemingly the heir apparent to Loadholt and Kalil extended, do we sign a round 1-3 tackle? I would lean towards yes, mostly because I don't trust Kalil to stay healthy for the duration of his next contract. So maybe draft a round 1-3 G/C and T/G then let them all battle it out.

I am not sure we keep Kalil, Loadholt or Sully, as a long term option. Kalil has played better but is not dominant, at all. Loadholt has missed this entire season and a good chunk last year and Sullivan pretty much missed this whole season. I would love for us to pick an OL C/G in round one. Berger is not the answer and Easton I am guessing isn't either with him not getting a shot. So I would like three OL before round five is over at least. With a SS in round two and a project Mike Evans guy in four or five. IMO body control and hands should be just as important as speed. Look at Diggs he isn't our fastest wideout but he gets to the ball and catches it..

I am not sure we keep Kalil, Loadholt or Sully, as a long term option. Kalil has played better but is not dominant, at all. Loadholt has missed this entire season and a good chunk last year and Sullivan pretty much missed this whole season.

Yeah, but they're by far the best options and players at their respective positions. I'm certainly not going to trust a bunch of rookies to protect Teddy next year (or a second-year guy like Clemmings), I don't care what round they're drafted in.

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I would love for us to pick an OL C/G in round one. Berger is not the answer and Easton I am guessing isn't either with him not getting a shot.

Berger is actually playing pretty well and has been more than competent when forced to play guard. It would not surprise me (nor would I be upset) if he ended up at LG in 2016 (for one year only). He's obviously not the long-term answer at any position. A line of Kalil, Berger, Sully, Fusco, Loadholt is acceptable, providing all are healthy. Is it ideal? Probably not. But rookie linemen rarely are assets in their first year.

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Look at Diggs he isn't our fastest wideout but he gets to the ball and catches it..

4.43-40 isn't anything to sneeze at.

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

NFL Scouts are telling TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline that UCLA junior G Alex Redmond has "one foot out the door and will enter the draft."

"Redmond has been described to me as a physical freak with upside but someone who needs to pull it together," Pauline wrote. The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder has been an All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention pick in each of the past two years. CBS ranks the former four-star recruit as the No. 9 junior OG prospect.Source: TFY Draft Insider

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Wed Nov 25, 2015 2:16 pm

jackal

Strong Safety

Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:05 amPosts: 11402Location: California

Re: 2016 draft: interior offensive linemen to watch

I assumed we would keep Kalil and Sullivan and draft several guys early

I know we have to improve our OL if we want to move up in the NFL

_________________no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Thu Nov 26, 2015 2:13 am

PurpleMustReign

Starting Wide Receiver

Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 5:48 pmPosts: 17785Location: Crystal, MN

Re: 2016 draft: interior offensive linemen to watch

Which of these do you think will be available around pick 18? I am guessing that is where we will be... give or take.

I want a center before guard. I think Berger can handle either guard position and Harris should backup.I don't see Sully as being very viable...same for Phil and Clemmings ain't the answer so far.I hope they change schemes cause this line is a couple years away IMO

Thu Nov 26, 2015 9:31 pm

jackal

Strong Safety

Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:05 amPosts: 11402Location: California

Re: 2016 draft: interior offensive linemen to watch

Quote:

Which of these do you think will be available around pick 18? I am guessing that is where we will be... give or take.

Traditionally the only OL that go in the early first round are LT's .. Usually the first guard goes at about 20 or so depending on QB, WR, and CB depth..

If we picked up a FA or two we could rebuild our OL with two picks in the first three rounds...

I am assuming we won't have Greenway, and maybe a few others next season so we could afford to get some depth on our OL..

If I were the GM I would not carry Greenway, Robison, Wallace, Patterson and ask Rudolf to restructure his deal some. I would not count on any of OL for a long term option without a heavily weighted deal on performance. That would would be two FA's and two or three OL drafted before fourth round in the next draft.

That would leave us quite a bit of cap space .. I would like to try for Alshon Jeffery as well, if possible ..

I think Berger can handle either guard position and Harris should backup.

Agreed.

Quote:

I don't see Sully as being very viable...same for Phil and Clemmings ain't the answer so far.

While I agree that Clemmings is obviously not the answer (right now), Sullivan has been a top center in the league. He's supposed to be 100% next season ("supposed" is the key word there). If true, he's the no-brainer starting center but I fear his days of being a top center are numbered. Back injuries in offensive linemen are not good. Therefore, he'd be only a short-term solution but he'd obviously be better than whatever rookie we draft -- I don't care if it's a first-round rookie. Rookie offensive linemen are rarely assets (physically or technically, especially in today's college football systems) in their first year or two. But that doesn't mean you don't sign one and develop him for a year or two while we hopefully still get above-average to good play from Sullivan. Signing a G/C makes complete sense.

As for Phil...*sigh*...I wish he got more credit than he does around here. He does have flaws in his game but he's been steadily improving every year. I'm not going to rehash this because I'm frankly tired of defending him but to think Phil won't be our best right tackle option in 2016 (provided he's fully healthy, which he should be) -- and potentially by a country mile -- is foolish. Again, I don't care if they draft a first-round RT. I'd be beyond shocked if they released Phil this offseason. He's a tireless worker, great teammate and a demoralizing run blocker who was steadily improving as a pass blocker. He could at least hold his own without needing TE help every play. It wouldn't surprise me if they instead extended him, giving him a few million in guaranteed cash to lower his 2016 cap hit. Phil is not the problem.

I want this line to be better than it is this year. Getting rid of Sullivan and Loadholt is the antithesis of that. We're seeing the results of those two guys out of the lineup right now.

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I hope they change schemes cause this line is a couple years away IMO

I don't know if it's a scheme issue. I think it's a personnel issue more than anything (though I don't really understand why Davidson gets the praise he does. He's the freaking Marcus Sherels of the coaching staff). Losing your top 2 offensive linemen are going to do that to you. We absolutely need to upgrade LG, though. Fusco has no business over there if he can't re-create his above-average ways. If we re-sign Kalil and he can keep up this level of play, upgrade LG, Sullivan enters 2016 fully healthy, competition at RG between Berger, Fusco, Harris and others and re-install a healthy Phil, this should be a serviceable line. That means this offseason drafting a round 1-3 G/C and OT not only to develop but as competition to let the best players determine the guard spots. I want another highly-drafted, talented tackle prospect (preferably LT) in case Kalil's knees give out again in the near-future, which is definitely a possibility given how many surgeries he's had. I want a legit contingency there with the possibility of taking over for him OR Loadholt down the road.

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Mon Nov 30, 2015 9:36 am

PurpleMustReign

Starting Wide Receiver

Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 5:48 pmPosts: 17785Location: Crystal, MN

Re: 2016 draft: interior offensive linemen to watch

Phil Loadholt has been the best Lineman on the team for a couple of seasons. I agree with dp, he does not get enough love around here.

Collins and Valentine are future NFL draft picks. "At times, Collins' burst gave Blythe problems. On most occasions, however, the 6-foot-2, 290 pound Blythe used his natural leverage advantage and strength to lock onto Nebraska's defenders," Rang wrote. "Blythe plays with good knee bend to hold up to bull rushes, slides well laterally and carries dynamite in his stands to pop defenders." CBS ranks Blythe as the No. 7 center prospect in the draft. Blythe doesn't have ideal measureables, but he's been one of the nation's best interior offensive lineman this year.Source: CBS Sportshttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl- ... -attention

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Mon Nov 30, 2015 3:09 pm

The Breeze

Hall of Fame Inductee

Joined: Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:14 pmPosts: 4016Location: So. Utah

Re: 2016 draft: interior offensive linemen to watch

I'm not against Phil, I'm skeptical he can return from that injury is all.Same for Sully...but his issue is more accumlative injuries IMO.As far as scheme vs personnel: I've seen that Davidson's better groups were zone blocking units, historically.Great work on this thread DP...thanks for all the info~

I'm not against Phil, I'm skeptical he can return from that injury is all.Same for Sully...but his issue is more accumlative injuries IMO.As far as scheme vs personnel: I've seen that Davidson's better groups were zone blocking units, historically.Great work on this thread DP...thanks for all the info~

The injury is more concerning than his previous pectoral. My optimism is that it occurred early (August 16?) so he will benefit from a long recovery window coupled by the position he plays on the offensive line may mean that it might not be as detrimental for him as it might be for, say, a skill position player like a running back, receiver, linebacker or defensive back. The issue is that it's an injury that can take that long to recover from (6-12 months from what I've read though NFL players seemingly typically take the back-end of that recovery timeline, so 10-12 months with 11 seemingly being the average). From what I've seen return to football activities can take place in as early as six months, but it's re-building the strength that takes the most time.

Here's the best news if you're looking to be relieved in an apples-to-apples type of way: Eagles' left tackle Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles TWICE in 2012 (the first time in March during an offseason workout and the second time in May at his house after it had been repaired once already). He made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014 (Second-team All-Pro in 2013, to be exact). He was graded out by PFF as a top-4 LT in 2013 as well, the same as the year prior to his injury. The Eagles rewarded him prior to the 2014 season with a four-year, $41.3 million contract extension. Peters was two years older than Phil when he ruptured it, too.

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Ohio State redshirt junior G Pat Elflein told reporters he plans to return for the 2016 season, but is still weighing his options.

Eligible prospects have until mid-January to declare for the draft, and it appears Elflein will take his time. The highly coveted guard has played well for Ohio State for multiple seasons. Expect a number of Ohio State players to declare for the NFL after their bowl game.Source: Eric Seger on Twitter

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

An AFC North scout says Kansas State senior OT Cody Whitehair is "probably better at guard in our league, but he might be able to play all five positions if needed."

"He knows how to neutralize speed off the edge or quickness inside…very, very well-coached and it shows on film," the scout said. The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Whitehair moved to LT and earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors last year. "Whitehair has adequate size for the position and uses his wide base to handle speed off the edge, staying balanced and sinking his hips at the point of attack," wrote CBS Sports' Dane Brugler. "He squares well and rides defenders away from the ballcarrier, using his punch and hand placement to lock on and engage." CBS sees him as the No. 2 senior G prospect and a potential top-50 draft pick. "His toughness is off the charts, but he could add a pinch of nastiness to his playing recipe, eliminating catch blocks," Brugler wrote. "Whitehair also tends to get grabby at times, which will attract yellow laundry at the next level, appearing much more comfortable inside rather than at tackle."

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TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline reports his NFL scout sources rate Kansas State senior OT Cody Whitehair as one of the top three senior tackle prospects and "many believe he’s a top 45 prospect."

"Presently I rank Whitehair as the top guard prospect moving towards the 2016 draft but feel he’s more a bottom of round two prospect," Pauline wrote. Whitehair has a great opporunity to boost his stock on Saturday when he lines up against possible first-round Oklahoma State DE Emmanuel Ogbah. "Whitehair has the opportunity to prove he can handle an athletic speed rusher off the edge," Pauline wrote. Last month, an AFC North scout said Whitehair is "probably better at guard in our league, but he might be able to play all five positions if needed."

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Stanley told Miller he's NFL-bound. The gifted lineman considered a jump last season but elected to return to campus. This time around, he's going to cash in on his top-10 projection. Rotoworld's Josh Norris is a long-time fan, ranking Stanley as the best offensive lineman in the class. Stanley's unique blend of athleticism and length could in short order make him one of the NFL's best left tackles.Source: Matt Miller on Twitter

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

Kelly elbowed out Michigan State's Jack Allen and Iowa's Austin Blythe for the hardware. The 6-foot-5, 296-pound redshirt senior didn't give up a sack all year and had an 88.4 percent grade this season. "Ryan deserved it," Derrick Henry said. "He's a great leader and the heart and soul of the offense. I'm excited to see him get an award."Source: AL.com

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

ESPN's Mel Kiper says Arkansas junior Denver Kirkland is "right on the edge" of being a first-round pick.

Kirkland grades out as Kiper's No. 1 draft-eligible guard, ahead of Cody Whitehair (Kansas State) and Pat Elflein (Ohio State). The massive 6-foot-5, 343-pound Kirkland has experience at both guard and tackle. His best NFL fit is as a brawler on the inside.Source: ESPN Insider

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

"Tunsil is a good athlete with strong hands," said the scout. "Little bit of a finesse guy. They (Ole Miss) are almost like the Oregon teams now. They're really not physical players." That may be so, but teams looking for a pass blocking savant at left tackle are salivating over Tunsil. He's seen by many as the No. 1 OL in the class.Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

An NFL scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Notre Dame redshirt junior T Ronnie Stanley "isn't regarded as a great worker off the field and doesn't always play hard."

"He needs to get stronger," a different scout said. "But he's really good technically as a pass blocker." Rotoworld's Josh Norris continues to rank Stanley as the best offensive lineman in the class. Stanley announced recently that he'll declare for the NFL Draft.Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly

UCLA junior G Alex Redmond declared for the NFL Draft and won't play in the Foster Farms Bowl.

Little did we know how right TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline was last month when he reported Redmond had "one foot out the door and will enter the draft." Redmond won't be nominated for teammate of the year after ditching the Bruins prior to their tilt with Nebraska, but he will pique the NFL's interest anyway. The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder is ranked by CBS as the No. 9 junior OG prospect. A former four-star recruit, Redmond is "a physical freak with upside" but "needs to pull it together," per Pauline.Source: Sports Illustrated

_________________“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly